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Planning

The Township of Centre Wellington's future is shaped around its Official Plan. This plan sets the vision, plans direction, outlines goals and objectives as well the implementation for the growth of the Township.

While the Township of Centre Wellington does not have a formal pre-consultation requirement, it is recommended that if you wish to establish a new business or industry in Centre Wellington, either through an expansion to an existing building or through the construction of a new building, you contact the Planning and Development Department to obtain the information needed.A pre-consultation meeting may be arranged that will be useful in determining if a planning application will be required and what type, associated fees and timing. Pre-consultation is useful for the following types of applications:

Official plan amendments

Zoning by-law amendments

Site plan control (for new buildings or significant expansions)

Subdivision/condominium applications

Pre-consultation assists in the following ways:

Helps clarify the application process and requirements

Ensures that development proposals align with local planning policies and regulations

Ensures that a complete application is submitted which helps expedite the review process

Early feedback helps to refine the proposed concept prior to submitting a formal application

Ensures that the required plans, studies and other information deemed necessary to be submitted with the application

Assists the municipality to promote design, sustainability, heritage conservation and any other considerations considered useful in the design of the project

Attempts to streamline the development review process which may support economic development opportunities

Draft Design and Infrastructure Standards

In 2017 Township Council endorsed a Process Review of the development application approval process which recommended that the Township should complete development standards which will inform potential applicants of the Township's expectations with regard to the functional and aesthetic aspects of new development. Draft development standards for the private and public realm have been developed and are being posted for consultation with the development and construction community. We welcome your input on these documents, and will hold a public information session at a future date this fall.

The official plan of the Township of Centre Wellington, is a policy document that sets out the Township's vision on how land should be used.

Where does the Official Plan apply?

The Township of Centre Wellington's Official Plan only applies to the Elora and Fergus Urban Centres, including Salem and Belwood. All other areas of the Township are governed by the County of Wellington's Official Plan.

Official Plan Amendment

What is it?

A change to the Township's official plan

Changes may be needed because of new circumstances in the community or because of requests made by property owners

The Planning Act requires a comprehensive review of an approved official plan to be completed every five years from the date the plan came into effect to ensure conformity with provincial plans and policies

How is an amendment made?

By submitting an application to council, a person or public body may request that an official plan be amended

Council may refuse to accept an application that fails to provide sufficient information or material as prescribed by Minister's regulation and/or set down in the municipal official plan.

It is highly recommended that if you plan to submit an application for an official plan amendment to consult with the Township prior to submitting the application.

A land severance is the authorized separation of a piece of land to form one or more new lot(s) or new parcel(s) of land. This is commonly known as a "consent" under the Planning Act.

Specific polices and requirements for land severance have been identified in our Official Plan. In addition to the division of land, rights-of-way, easements and any change to your existing property boundaries, such as a lot line adjustment, also require land severance approval.

If several severances are intended in the same area, a plan of subdivision may be more appropriate.

Official approval is required to ensure that:

Land severances are considered within an established community planning framework

New lots and new land uses do not to conflict with the overall future planning goals and policies of the community

Consideration is given to the effects of the division of land on the site, on the neighbours and on the community as a whole

Once a severance has been approved, the new land parcels may be sold or resold without further approval. The only exception is if the County of Wellington has specified that this should not occur without further approval.

Planning and Development circulates the complete Site Plan Application to relevant Township departments and outside agencies with a request for comments and conditions within two weeks

Staff and consultants review the application during a Development Review Committee meeting

Comments and conditions from the Township Planning and Development Department and outside agencies are received by the Planning Development

Comments are communicated to the Applicant

If necessary, revised plans are submitted by the Applicant to Planning and Development who re-circulate the plans to all relevant Township departments and outside agencies for review

Planning and Development issues Final Site Plan Approval and registers a Site Plan Agreement on title

Application can be made for a building permit

All site works are completed by Applicant and inspected by Township Staff

Deposit Agreement

A Deposit Agreement is required for each planning application. To find the appropriate deposit amount, please refer to the Planning Fee Schedule. The deposit monies are held for payment to external agencies and consultants where necessary.

Fees

The following has been taken from the Township of Centre Wellington's Fees and Charges By-Law. Please note that these figures and details are supplied as a convenience to you and are subject to change. Before commencing with any projects please verify costs and conditions with the Planning Division.